Getting Up, Getting Over, Getting on: A 12 Step Guide to Divorce Recovery

Typical recovery programs focus on issues like alcohol or drug addiction, or perhaps sexual addiction. The twelve-step model is well-known, and despite some critics --- it works very well for many, many people -- every day. The author shares her own experience and then blends in the concepts and ideas of twelve-step recovery programs. Sprinkled throughout the pages are thoughts, ideas, prayers, inspirations, words of encouragement. The result is a very effective read for anyone who is experiencing a divorce and its aftermath. We were not familiar with this author before picking up this book; however on reading it carefully we can recommend it. The book is well done; the information is extremely encouraging, and the 'recovery model' applies well to the stages of moving forward after divorce. Dr. David & Lisa Frisbie The Center for Marriage & Family Studies Authors of 8 books, including Moving Forward After Divorce: Practical Steps to * Healing Your Hurts * Finding Fresh Perspective * Managing Your New Life

My hope for you is that you will find strength and comfort within these steps. They offer practical suggestions for getting through the tumult and minimizing long-term damage to you and your family. ~Micki McWade Micki McWade was thrown into an extremely precarious and vulnerable position when she and her husband separated in the fall of 1990. Through overwhelming grief, she struggled through a breakup that was more trying than she had ever anticipated. At that time she was a member of Al-Anon (a support group for families of alcoholics) and was practicing the Twelve Steps. This helped her to clarify what she was going through, reduced her inner turmoil and helped to create some semblance of peace. After experiencing divorce first-hand, she decided to create a support group for separated and divorced individuals who needed advice, friendship and hope. In the first chapter, Micki presents a basic understanding of the divorce situation. For women, this can often mean a loss of income, immense grief and the loss of major support systems present when you marry into another family. She explains how she felt, how others feel and what you might be experiencing. This chapter also briefly delves into the are of spirituality (a higher power) and then concludes with the serenity prayer. Chapter two explains the Twelve Step Recovery Program and lists the steps. Chapter Three takes each step and explains it in depth. Throughout this book, you will find prayers, inspirational quotes, a deep understanding of the issues at hand and an immense helping of encouragement. Women are especially vulnerable in divorce situations and Micki's story is all too typical of what happens to many women when they have stayed home to take care of their children and been a support to their husbands. If she could survive her divorce, I think anyone could as long as they were patient with themselves. So, this book can give women hope. In the second section there are tools for recovery that include information on how to create a support group. Chapter five gives four main slogans and explanations for how these can be used in the support group setting for discussion. Chapter seven is filled with personal stories of women who experienced divorce and Susan had an interesting idea about "the person who emotionally leaves the relationship is the initiator." If you are looking for support during a very difficult time in your life, this book can help you free yourself from your past and encourage spiritual growth. I can also recommend "Daily Meditations: For Surviving a Breakup, Separation or Divorce." ~The Rebecca Review

Micki McWade has written a very insightful book on how to get yourself out of the fog of worry and depression and getting back to living. The 'I AM' statements and the idea of 'turning it over' to God truly help to keep you in a positive-thinking frame of mind.

Micki McWade succintly captures the 12 step philosophy while providing a practical yet spiritual path to recovery for those going through the painful process of divorce--all in one short, easy to read paperback. A most concise and important book for anyone experiencing separation or divorce, or for anyone providing care or treatment to couples facing separation or divorce.

Micki McWade's "Twelve Step Divorce Recovery" book utilizes the proven effectiveness of the classic 12 step programs to help the divorced or divorcing person heal in truly healthy ways. No more stuffing of pain, no more denial -- they're counterproductive! She provides those on this emotionally devastating journey basic, useful tools for healing and renewal. I plan to recommend it in all my divorce workshops!